30 March 2011

Rizal Memorial, Panaad eyed for Azkals' home game

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is now considering 2 possible sites where the country can hold its home game against Sri Lanka.

According to ABS-CBN sports correspondent Dyan Castillejo, the PFF will be choosing between Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila and Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.

“As per PFF President Nonong Araneta and [Azkals team] Manager Dan Palami, our home game will be either at Rizal Memorial or Panaad Bacolod stadium,” said Castillejo through her Twitter account.

The Philippine Azkals will face Sri Lanka in a home-and-away qualifying series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup on June 29 and July 3.

The home game, scheduled on July 3, could take place at the 30,000-seater Rizal Memorial Stadium, site of some of the biggest sporting events in Southeast Asia (SEA), including the 1991 and 2005 SEA Games.

It could also be staged at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City, where the home game of the Philippine Azkals against Mongolia for the 2012 Challenge Cup was held.

More than 20,000 football fans filled the Panaad Stadium on February 9 to witness the Azkals beat Mongolia, 2-0.

Filipino-British Azkals player, James Younghusband, said they are prepared to take on the Sri Lankans anywhere in the Philippines.

“Wherever we play in the phils is ok, cos i know we'll have the support of pinoys!,” he told Castillejo.

The away game, scheduled on June 29, will take place in Sri Lanka either at the 25,000-seater Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo or the 15,000-seater Kalutara Stadium in Kalutara.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Sports said they will start talks with Sri Lankan authorities for the local airing of the away game.